Creamline inched closer to the finals after making quick work of Cignal, 25-17, 25-15, 25-22 in the semifinals of the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tots Carlos once again delivered the goods for the Cool Smashers, unloading a game-high 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and an ace in just three sets played. She also had 11 excellent digs in the win that hiked the team’s standing to 3-0 — a win away from sealing one of the two finals spot.
“Excited kami na makalaro yung Taipei. Yun muna yung naging goal namin para makapag-prepare kami ng maganda kasi sa Friday pa yung game so basta maglalaro kami nang maganda para maganda yung laban,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses on their upcoming match up against KingWhale Taipei.
Already with armed with a three-point cushion, 23-20, Alyssa Valdez punched one in to put the Cool Smashers at match point in the tightly contested third set.
Ces Molina saved a point for the HD Spikers before Ced Domingo’s quick sailed out. The middle blocker out of Far Eastern University quickly made up for her error, hammering a powerful quick to bag the game for Creamline.
Jia De Guzman’s playmaking prowess was once again on full display, dishing out a total of 26 excellent sets in the win to go along with three markers.
Jema Galanza chipped in 11 points in the win Valdez collected seven points and 16 excellent receptions for the Cool Smashers.
Creamline did most of its damage from the attack line, scoring 50 attacks compared to Cignal’s 25.
Leading the HD Spikers were Molina and Rose Doria with eight points apiece. The former also had eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Gel Cayuna, meanwhile, only had 10 excellent sets in the loss.
Cignal, who was coming off a five-set win over Army-Black Mamba last Saturday, is now a loss away from being eliminated in finals contention after sliding to 1-2 in the standings.
It was actually the HD Spikers who dealt the Cool Smashers their first loss in the tournament — and since the Open Conference — via a four-set affair last July 21 at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
Creamline looks to secure its spot in the finals against KingWhale Taipei at 4:00 PM on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
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